Celebrations

Jonathan Scharf, an Assistant District Attorney with the Queens County (NY) District Attorney’s Office and a Johnson County native, was named Prosecutor of the Year by the New York Metro Chapter of the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators on Dec. 6 in New York City.

Scharf was honored for his work as the supervising attorney for “Operation Swiper,” an 18-month investigation with the New York City Police Department’s Financial Crimes Task Force into an organized credit card fraud and identity theft ring that reached all four corners of the United States, as well as Europe and the Middle East, and resulted in more than $13 million dollars in loss to individuals and businesses.

The investigation culminated in the arrest and prosecution of more than 100 defendants, making it the largest single identity theft prosecution in United States history. Scharf was quick to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the New York City Police Department and his colleagues at the District Attorney’s Office.

“I’m really humbled by this award. A case like this is not made by the efforts of one individual. It is the result of the work of an exceptional team of investigators, attorneys and support staff. I am accepting this award on behalf of everyone who played a part in this monumental case,” he said.

Scharf has been a prosecutor for seven and a half years with the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and is a member of the elite Investigations Division, Economic and Environmental Crimes Bureau. Prior to joining the Queens DA’s Office, he served at the United States Department of Justice and the Philadelphia Police Department. Scharf received his undergraduate degree from Tufts University in Medford, Mass., and his law degree from the Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia. Scharf also holds a master’s degree in governmental administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Scharf is the oldest son of Dr. Daniel and Miriam Scharf.

Ann Karty and Billy Silverman announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Joel Elon Silverman, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, at Congregation Beth Shalom.

Joel is the grandson of Cheryl and Larry Silverman, Overland Park, and Karen Karty, St. Louis. Great grandparents are Marge Brodkin, Leawood, and Daniel Karty, St. Louis.

Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and to attend the Kiddush following the service.

Jeremy and Danielle Antes of Overland Park announce the birth Nov. 27 of their second son, Jonah Shane. They are also the parents of Eli Isaac. Grandparents are Donald and Debbie Rose of Olathe, Carl Antes and Sue Rogers of Overland Park, and Barbara Bernstein and Saul Erlich of Shawnee. Great-grandparents are Allen and Phyllis Rose of Overland Park, Donald and Mary Lou Urich of Overland Park, Carl and Anna Mae Antes of West Grove, Pa., and the late Edward and Jennie Bernstein.

Jill Jacob is pleased to announce the engagement of her son, Keith Aaron Jacob, to Jessica Lynn Bernier, daughter of Wayne and Audrey Bernier, Westport, Conn.

The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Joseph and Norma Bernier and JoAnne Abel and Robert and Dona Abel. She attended the University of Rhode Island, studying English. She was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. She is currently employed as a professional organizer in Fairfield County, Conn.

The future groom is the grandson of the late Jane L. Weinberg, the late Charles M. Levy Jr. and the late Dr. and Mrs. Walter P. Jacob. He attended the Culinary Institute of America, earning an Associate of Occupational Studies degree and a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in culinary management. He is currently employed as a private professional chef.

A May 18 wedding at The Waterview in Monroe, Conn., is planned.

Sheila Ann Pickett and David Louis Karner were married July 15 at the Crystal Rose on East Hampden in Denver by Rabbi Steven Foster and Cantor Regina Heit.

The bride is the daughter of the late Ethel Krautman and Leonard Krautman. The groom is the son of the late Elaine Lerner and the late Richard Karner and Jean Karner, formerly of Kansas City.

The matron of honor was the bride’s daughter, Stephanie Pike, from Porter, Okla. The best man was the groom’s brother, Gary Karner, of Centennial, Colo.

Bridesmaids were Katherine Pickett of Silver Spring, Md., daughter-in-law of the bride, and Jacqueline Weiss of Los Angeles, sister-in-law of the bride.

The groomsmen were David Munez of Firestone, Colo., and Steve Richards of Surprise, Ariz., both close friends of the groom.

Others in the wedding party were: ushers, Collin Cinkosky, grandson of the bride, and Mitchell Tulper, nephew of the groom; flower girl, Alyssa Cinkosky, granddaughter of the bride; chuppah holders were good friend Missy Tasky, Bob Tulper, brother-in-law of the groom, and Jerry and Stan Krautman, the bride’s brothers.

After a honeymoon cruise in the Caribbean, the couple live in Centennial.

Carol and David Porter announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Joseph Charles, at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8, at the White Theatre on the Jewish Community Campus. The Porters are members of Congregation Beth Shalom.

Joe is the grandson of Karen and Ed Porter and the late Margie and Peicy Alperson.

Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and to attend the Kiddush following the service.

Debra and Jeffrey Martasin announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Laura Danielle, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

Laura is the granddaughter of Lynnette and Larry Martasin of Sun City Center, Fla., and Barbara and Marvin Sachs of Boynton Beach, Fla.

Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and to attend the Kiddush following the service.

Sarah Derks announces the Bar Mitzvah of her son, Benjamin Finis Derks, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Congregation Beth Torah.

Ben is the grandson of Dr. Sanford and Sandra Krantz of Nashville, Tenn.

The community is invited to worship with the family and to attend the Kiddush luncheon following the service.

Debbie and Roman Beznovsky of Overland Park announce the birth Oct. 25 of twin boys, Ari Joseph and Asher Levi. They are also the parents of Noah Isaac and Samuel Aaron. Grandparents are Myrna Rosenthal of Olathe, Herb Rosenthal of Covington, Ga., and Freyda and Vadim Beznovsky of Overland Park.

Lindsay and Chad Harrison of Omaha, Neb., announce the birth Sept. 1 of a daughter, Arya London. Grandparents are Linda and Ron Rubin, Linda and Greg Laird, Topeka, and Wes Harrison, Topeka. Great-grandmother is Helen Shalinsky.